Question to the Minister of Health

Minister's Answer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 - Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes, has been endorsed as applicable to Northern Ireland.

Subsequently, I supported the establishment of a clinical working group to work with relevant stakeholders across Health and Social Care to develop a five-year implementation plan, outlining an appropriate timescale for rollout.

Similar to other nations, service delivery will be phased over a 5-year period in response to the guidance, owing to the scale and scope of this recommendation.

Work has been completed in terms of overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements, to both enable and support.

The Regional Insulin Pump service, led by Belfast Trust, in partnership with remaining Trusts, will deliver this plan, as a service development. £1.839m of funding annually has been secured to support implementation of this plan, with the final stages of commissioning to be completed in the coming weeks.

Funding is required for devices, in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region.

The implementation plan is in the final stages of drafting and will support equitable, sustainable and affordable access to this technology, which is targeted to optimise outcomes for those groups most likely to benefit.

In line with NICE guidance, this includes a process of prioritisation and recommended eligibility criteria. However, the most appropriate system for each individual is the responsibility of the Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer.

Once finalised, information will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.